The Cleveland Indians won again with Aaron Civale on the mound.
Unfortunately, he did not get the win Monday as he was removed from the game after 4.2 innings.
And even more unfortunately, he left with an injury.
Civale was getting his finger checked out and early speculation on social media brought up either a blister or perhaps an injury because of a change in grip due to MLB’s new foreign substances rules.
Fans waited for word after the game, but the Indians kept it vague.
The Indians are still gathering info to determine the extent of Aaron Civale’s middle finger injury. They’re planning for him to visit the same hand specialist who has treated Roberto Pérez and Zach Plesac this season.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) June 22, 2021
It at least appears we can remove a blister from the potential list of issues.
Trying To Remain Calm
Let’s begin by trying to be optimistic here.
Civale did not leave the game screaming in pain, so that is a good thing.
And the fact the Indians can immediately get him into a specialist is good as well, meaning they should have an exact update and timetable as soon as possible.
Obvious Reasons To Panic
Now on to the negatives.
This is obviously concerning given the fact the team is without both Zach Plesac and Shane Bieber.
Civale was the last man standing and now he needs to see a hand specialist.
Plesac’s injury was a freak accident, but this one remains an even bigger mystery until Civale sees the doctor.
Bieber and Plesac are not exactly set to return this week so losing Civale as well means the Indians are down to J.C. Mejia, Eli Morgan, Sam Hentges, and Cal Quantrill as starters.
Triston McKenzie can also be factored in, while “bullpen games” may also become the new norm.
Having a starting rotation of all rookies sure would be a revolutionary approach if it worked.
Front Office Must Act
Let’s say Civale is set to miss more than one start.
The front office is sitting with a 40-30 team that appears to be a legitimate contender this season.
They need to seriously consider making a move for a veteran starting pitcher.
And this does not need to be someone of Max Scherzer‘s caliber, but rather anyone with legitimate MLB experience.
The Indians cannot waste this great start by rolling with all young starting pitchers who all need further development this year.
So will they make a move?
Fans can only hope, and it should not even come down to whether Civale will miss time or not.
Being down Plesac and Bieber means the team is playing with fire by hoping the bullpen keeps up its current pace in relief of the young staff.
All fans can do now is sit and wait.
#Indians manager Terry Francona said team wants to get Aaron Civale to see hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham as soon as possible. Not many details at this point.
— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) June 22, 2021
The Indians play the Cubs again Tuesday night and Morgan is the scheduled starter.
Hopefully the bright lights of Wrigley Field are not too much for him, because the bullpen could use a break.
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